Her one night consequenc.., p.1
Her One Night Consequence, page 1
To her surprise, he placed his hands over hers and said, “How about you join me tonight and find out?”
“Pardon?”
Had he just asked her out on a date? From the smirk on his face, he was loving every minute of her surprise.
After several beats, he asked, “Is it going to be a yes or no?”
“I don’t even know your name.”
“My apologies.” He offered her his hand. “Blake Coleman.”
Blake. It was a strong name and it suited him.
“Asia Reynolds.” She accepted his handshake and when she did, white-hot heat radiated down to her belly and stole her breath away. The rush of desire she felt was unlike anything she had ever experienced and when she glanced up at Blake, she suspected he felt it too.
“How about it, Asia? Would you accompany me to my aunt’s sixty-fifth birthday bash?”
“I—uh...” Asia blanked.
“The only answer I want to hear is yes,” he said softly.
Dear Reader,
I’ve been a published author for nearly two decades and it never gets old writing happily-ever-afters. I’m excited to present the third installment in the Six Gems series about the friendship between six incredible women.
Her One Night Consequence continues with Six Gem Asia Reynolds’s story. Sparks fly when fun-loving and free-spirited Asia meets sexy billionaire Blake Coleman. The chemistry between them is combustible, but then Asia discovers she’s pregnant by her one-night stand. She wants to raise the baby on her own, but Blake isn’t going quietly into the night because he knows what it’s like to lose his family. He’s claiming Asia and his baby, and only marriage will do. I love the passionate yet tender moments between this couple that reveal this isn’t just a marriage of convenience, but the beginning of a great love story.
Sit back in a quiet spot with your favorite beverage and escape into the world of Yahrah St. John, where steamy love scenes and family drama abound. I hope you’re as captivated by their story as I was. If so, drop me a line at yahrah@yahrahstjohn.com or for more info visit my website at www.yahrahstjohn.com.
Best,
YSJ
Her One Night Consequence
Yahrah St. John
Yahrah St. John became a writer at the age of twelve when she wrote her first novella after secretly reading a Harlequin romance. Throughout her teens, she penned a total of twenty novellas. Her love of the craft continued into adulthood. She’s the proud author of forty-seven books with Harlequin Desire, Kimani Romance and Arabesque as well as her own indie books.
Books by Yahrah St. John
Harlequin Desire
The Stewart Heirs
At the CEO’s Pleasure
His Marriage Demand
Red Carpet Redemption
Locketts of Tuxedo Park
Consequences of Passion
Blind Date with the Spare Heir
Holiday Playbook
A Game Between Friends
Six Gems
Her Secret Billionaire
Her Best Friend’s Brother
Her One Night Consequence
Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.
You can also find Yahrah St. John on Facebook, along with other Harlequin Desire authors, at Facebook.com/HarlequinDesireAuthors!
To my husband, Freddie Blackman,
for being my rock and anchor
during challenging times.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Epilogue
Excerpt from The Marriage Deadline by Niobia Bryant
One
“Asia, these pieces are fabulous.”
Asia Reynolds was a jewelry designer. But for the past several years, she had been working the retail counter at Yvette’s Jewels. She enjoyed the work, but more importantly, the owner, Yvette Sinclair, allowed Asia to sell her original designs in the shop. This particular set was inspired by her recent trip east to visit one of her best friends, Egypt Cox.
“Thank you, Yvette.” Asia smiled and placed the items back in the case she’d brought them in. “I was hoping we could sell them here at the store. I know they’re not as traditional as you might like.”
“Hogwash. When I hired you, I knew you were destined for great things, and these pieces show that,” Yvette replied.
“You really think so?”
“I don’t know why you doubt yourself, Asia. Look at how well your jewelry is doing online and at the flea markets.”
Some weekends, Asia would head to one of the flea markets around Denver to sell her artwork. It allowed her to get a pulse on whether the public liked what she was creating.
“These are much different than the materials I usually use and will demand a higher price point.” The lightning bolt necklace she’d made of sliced raw uncut diamonds was one of many pieces in the collection that spoke to her.
When she’d left Egypt in Raleigh, she’d gone on to DC and then to New York to source materials. She’d found what she was looking for at a small family-owned store in New York’s Diamond District. Along with the necklace, she’d created a bracelet and cuff bangle, drop earrings, and a ring.
“And that’s wonderful,” Yvette said. “We have a variety of customers, from all walks of life, and this will be a signature piece for some lucky person.”
Yvette always gave the best pep talks and had proven to be an invaluable mentor. As Asia put her case in the back office, she reflected on her recent windfall. Her best friends, Wynter Barrington, Egypt Cox, Teagan Williams, Shay Davis and Lyric Taylor, who with her had been affectionately coined the Six Gems, had inherited a nice sum of cash from Wynter’s aunt Helaine Barrington last year, allowing them to start their own businesses.
Wynter hadn’t needed much encouragement because her travel blog was already quite popular. Egypt, meanwhile, had a food truck that she quickly flipped into her own restaurant, Flame. Then there was Teagan, who had her broker’s license and was opening her own brokerage firm. Shay and Lyric were making headway opening up yoga and dance studios, respectively, but Asia? She was floundering.
Her trip back east had been twofold: to source new materials for her collection and to get the tea about Egypt’s relationship with the handsome amnesiac she’d met. Her bestie appeared to be sprung on Garrett No-Name, but that hadn’t stopped her from advising Asia on her business plan. Egypt was able to help Asia identify the steps she needed to take in order to get her brick-and-mortar store off the ground. It wasn’t going to be easy.
But had anything in Asia’s life ever been easy? She had never had a normal family. She didn’t even know who her father was because her mother had been getting busy with many boys in the neighborhood and wound up pregnant at the age of sixteen. Asia grew up alongside her mother and the growing pains had been real. Ava Reynolds couldn’t keep a job or a man to save her life and they’d always moved from pillar to post.
But there was a brief period in her childhood when Ava had held a steady job and they were able to stay in one place long enough for Asia to make friends—that’s when she met the other Gems. Her relationships with the girls were priceless, so she once made the comment that they were like gemstones. Teagan had agreed and officially proclaimed them the Six Gems.
“Asia, darling. Are you all right?” Yvette inquired. “You look like you were a million miles away.”
Asia blinked and forced herself back to the present. “I’m sorry, Yvette. Got lost in the past for a moment.”
“Don’t stay there too long.”
The door to Yvette’s Jewels opened and in walked the best-looking thing Asia had seen all day. No, make that all year. Tall, with skin the color of rich butterscotch, the man was sexy and handsome. Asia watched him survey the store as if he owned the place. He strolled over to the center display, allowing Asia a chance to really look at him.
His profile spoke of power. His hair was thick and curly, yet cut short in a low fade. His eyes were dark, as were his bushy eyebrows, but it was his chiseled features and strong jaw that drew him to her. He had a sexy five-o’clock shadow combined with firm lips she was certain garnered him an impressive amount of attention from the female population. He wore a black overcoat, but she could see he had on a white button-down underneath, tan trousers that showed off his lean and muscular physique and expensive-looking leather shoes. Asia wondered what he would look like naked, because of course her overactive mind would think of a customer that way.
Suddenly, he looked up and his gaze landed on Asia. His eyes speared hers, then he raked his gaze over her, up and down. A drum beat inside her body, gentle at first, and then louder as he stared at her more intensely. Asia licked her lips, her throat parched. She doubted she was glamorous like the
Today, she wore a leather jacket over a turquoise-blue shirt and a beige flouncy skirt that hit her thighs, along with stiletto heels. Seeing that she was only five feet two, she never went anywhere without her heels.
She walked over to him as her eyes dragged upward. “Good morning.”
“Hello.” His eyes warmed her face and her body in a way she’d never felt before.
“Is there something I can help you find?” Asia inquired with as much bravado as she could muster.
“Yes, you can.” His voice was deep and strong and Asia felt it all the way to her toes. “I’m looking for a gift for my aunt. She’s having a birthday soiree this evening and I need something special.”
“It’s a bit late, isn’t it?” Asia asked, quirking a brow. As soon as she said the words, she realized how out of line she was being.
Instead of a snarky comment back, he grinned, and Asia found she rather liked his Colgate smile. “You’re right, and I’ve only myself to blame. I got caught up with work and failed to make time, but I’m hoping you will help me remedy that.”
This one is a charmer!
Asia sucked in a deep breath. “Of course. We have some really wonderful pieces. Is there a style you had in mind?”
“At sixty-five, my aunt is bold and daring. It has to be something unique. Sort of like what you’re wearing.”
Asia glanced down at the raw diamond bangle on her slim wrist. She’d forgotten she’d put it on to show Yvette.
“Oh, this is part of a new collection and I haven’t put out all the pieces yet.”
His eyes brightened. “You’re a designer?”
She nodded. “I am, but there’s a lot of other great pieces in the store, if you’re interested?”
“Show me.”
His words were a command and Asia guessed he was used to being obeyed. She walked over to the display that held most of her work. “Anything in this case is mine. There are different items using onyx, opals and emeralds.”
He peered down at her jewelry. “These are very good.”
“Thank you.” Asia beamed with pride.
“However, I’d like to see the rest of that collection.” He inclined his head toward her wrist.
Asia glanced over at Yvette, who was eagerly nodding at her from the sidelines. “All right, give me just a minute.” She walked to the back office to grab her case. When she returned to the showroom, she found the sexy stranger exactly where she had left him. His eyes followed her as she approached.
“Here we are.” Asia placed a cloth down and opened the case to reveal her newest collection.
The sexy stranger picked up her favorite piece, the lightning bolt necklace, and examined it closely. After several moments, he stated, “I’ll take this.”
Her breath shorted in her chest. “Just like that?”
“I find in life you have to be very decisive,” he responded. “How much do you want for it?”
Asia had a general idea of how much she wanted to charge, but this would be much costlier than any of her previous works. She hesitated and he noticed.
One of his bushy eyebrows rose. “Is there a problem?”
“No, it’s just...one of my more expensive pieces. Perhaps you want to see something else?”
“That’s not a problem,” he said smoothly, and then motioned her toward him with his index finger. At first, Asia wasn’t going to be beckoned by any man, but this one was different. Very different from the artist and musician types she usually fancied. She leaned forward and he whispered in her ear, “Can I offer you a piece of advice?”
She cocked her head to the side, “What’s that?”
“Don’t shortchange yourself. If you have a quality product, then the public should be willing to pay the price. Now what’s the price on that piece?”
Asia’s eyes narrowed. “It’s fifteen hundred dollars.”
“Sold.” He handed the necklace back and Asia’s hands were shaking as she took it. She’d never sold anything this expensive before. “Can you gift wrap it?.” She sneaked a look at Yvette, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. Then he slid his black American Express card across the counter, showing her that money was obviously no object.
“A-absolutely.” Asia stumbled over the word, picked up the card and went over to the cash register. She put the necklace in a gift-wrapped box with a bow on top. Every now and then, she glanced up and found his eyes probing hers. When they swept down to her lips, a blaze of heat went through Asia. She blinked and forced herself to close the sale. When it was over, she placed the box in a signature Yvette’s Jewels bag and walked over.
“I hope your aunt is pleased with the gift,” Asia said, handing him his purchase.
To her surprise, he placed his hands over hers and said, “How about you join me tonight and find out?”
“Pardon?”
Had he just asked her out on a date? From the smirk on his face, he had and was loving every minute of her surprise. She looked over at Yvette again, who was doing her best to conceal a sly grin. Some help she was.
After several beats, he asked, “Is it going to be a yes or no?”
“I don’t even know your name.”
“My apologies.” He offered her his hand. “Blake Coleman.”
Blake.
It was a strong name and it suited him.
“Asia Reynolds.” She accepted his handshake, and when she did white-hot heat radiated down to her belly and stole her breath away. The rush of desire she felt was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, and when she glanced up at Blake, she suspected he’d felt it, too.
“How about it, Asia? Would you accompany me to my aunt’s sixty-fifth birthday bash?”
“I—uh...” Asia blanked.
“The only answer I want to hear is yes,” he said softly.
“Yes,” Asia answered without thinking, because she wanted to go with him. Wanted to understand the heat she felt around this enigmatic man she’d just met but somehow was agreeing to go on a date with.
He smiled and it lit up his handsome features, weakening her knees. “Good. If it’s all right with you, I’ll pick you up here around six thirty. Can I get your number in case anything comes up?” He handed Asia his phone and she typed in her digits on autopilot.
“Thanks.” He accepted the phone back. “I look forward to seeing you later.” Then picked up his gift and left the store.
She turned toward Yvette. “What the hell just happened?”
“Looks like you got yourself a hot date,” her boss cheekily replied.
Did Blake pick up women in jewelry stores on a regular basis? Or was she special? Either way, Asia knew tonight would be a night to remember.
* * *
Later, Asia fretted about what to wear to a fancy party with a guy like Blake Coleman. The men she usually dated could barely rub two nickels together, let alone pay for a fifteen-hundred-dollar necklace. Typically, she preferred the artistic type, such as a musician, painter or writer, because they were talented. But Blake was different. From the custom-made outfit he’d worn, she knew he had money.
What could she wear to possibly fit the occasion? It was early April in Denver, which meant the nights were still chilly, so she preferred something with sleeves. Riffling through her closet, she found the perfect dress. Off the shoulder, long-sleeved and with a sweetheart neckline that revealed a bit of décolletage.
It was the little black dress every woman needed in her closet. It didn’t hurt that it hit her mid-thigh and showed off a generous amount of leg. Because she was just over five feet, she had to use everything in her arsenal. She opted for pointy heels, chandelier earrings and an oversize ring from last year’s opal collection.
Unfortunately, dallying around with her wardrobe, then hair and makeup, left her precious little time to get back to the store. She grabbed her long gray wool coat and rushed out the door. Her Uber arrived at the store just as Blake was knocking on the door.
“I’m here,” Asia said with a flourish, sliding out of the back seat of the Uber.
“I was beginning to wonder if you’d stood me up,” Blake said, meeting her at the curb.
